Bird protection efforts bear fruit in Ningbo

Chinese crested terns observed in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Ningbo recently launched a series of activities to raise public awareness of bird protection as the annual Bird-loving Week approaches.

The city in East China's Zhejiang province has emerged as a haven for birds in recent years thanks to strong efforts made by the local government to protect water fowls.

Official data show that the city in East China's Zhejiang province is home to 18 species of birds under national first–class State protection.

One such example is the Chinese crested tern, which is classified as "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list. 

From less than 50 in the world, the number of Chinese crested terns has surged to about 150, partly due to an artificial breeding campaign launched by Xiangshan county in Ningbo to save the endangered species in May 2013.

The Xiangshan Jiushan Islands National Nature Reserve has now become the world's largest breeding site for Chinese crested terns.

In addition, the city's Hangzhou Bay Wetland has become an important stopover for migratory birds thanks to its well-preserved ecology.

To date, over 300 varieties of birds have been found in the park, with more expected in light of steady growth momentum in recent years.

Elliot's Pheasant, which is under first–class State protection in China, is spotted in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]